In a bold and confident statement that is sure to excite South African cricket fans, Proteas T20I captain Aiden Markram has singled out two rising stars from the national circuit as his “proper X-factors” ahead of South Africa’s crucial away tours to Australia and England. With a challenging international calendar lined up, including a grueling all-format tour of Australia followed by a high-pressure limited-overs series in England, Markram’s picks are being seen as a significant endorsement of the country’s next generation of cricketers.
The young cricketers identified by Markram are Dewald Brevis and Nandre Burger—two emerging talents who have already made headlines in domestic competitions and international T20 leagues. Their inclusion in the setup signals a potential transition period for South African cricket as the Proteas continue to search for consistency and depth in their squad across formats.
Who are Markram’s ‘Proper X-Factors’?
Dewald Brevis – The ‘Baby AB’ With A Fearless Batting Approach
Nicknamed “Baby AB” for his resemblance to AB de Villiers in both style and stroke play, Dewald Brevis has already carved a niche for himself in T20 cricket. A product of the South African U-19 system, Brevis rose to global attention during the 2022 ICC U-19 World Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s top run-scorer.
Since then, Brevis has lit up domestic tournaments like the SA20 League and made an impression in leagues like the IPL, showcasing his range of explosive batting. Markram, who has played with Brevis in the SA20, believes that the 21-year-old has the temperament and power game suited for big-stage cricket, particularly in hostile conditions like those in Australia.
“He doesn’t shy away from a challenge. That’s what you want when you’re playing in Australia or England. Dewald has the game and the mindset to turn matches around,” said Markram during a recent press briefing.
Nandre Burger – The Left-Arm Pacer With Steep Bounce
The second name on Markram’s list is Nandre Burger, a left-arm pacer known for his ability to generate steep bounce and bowl tight lines. With a build that suits fast bowling and an aggressive approach to the game, Burger has steadily built his reputation through the domestic circuit and recently impressed in the SA A tours.
Burger’s left-arm angle and disciplined approach make him a potent weapon, especially on the pacy tracks of Australia and the seam-friendly pitches in England. Markram sees Burger as someone who can provide the Proteas with an edge in unfamiliar conditions.
“He’s tall, aggressive, and smart. Nandre brings something different to our pace attack. He’s not just about speed; he understands the nuances of bowling in different conditions,” Markram said.
South Africa’s Upcoming Tour Schedule (2025)
With a tight international calendar ahead, the South African team is set to travel extensively in the second half of 2025.
| Tour | Format | Duration | Key Venues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 3 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is | Oct – Nov 2025 | Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne |
| England | 5 T20Is, 3 ODIs | Dec 2025 | London, Leeds, Manchester |
| ICC Champions Trophy | ODI Tournament | Feb 2026 | Pakistan (multiple cities) |
Squad Evolution Under Markram’s Leadership
Since taking over the T20I captaincy, Aiden Markram has emphasized the importance of youth, dynamism, and flexibility. The inclusion of fresh talent like Brevis and Burger fits well into his broader vision for a team that can adapt across conditions and formats.
Markram has already led the T20 side to a semifinal finish in the T20 World Cup 2024, and he is now looking to build a core that can challenge the top-tier teams in bilateral series and global tournaments.
Depth in the South African Cricket System
South Africa’s domestic setup has shown encouraging signs of producing quality players in recent years. The SA20 League, in particular, has helped fast-track young talents by allowing them to rub shoulders with international stars.
Notable Performers in SA Domestic Cricket (2024–25 Season)
| Player Name | Age | Role | SA20 Performance (2024) | International Caps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dewald Brevis | 21 | Batter | 453 runs, Avg 41.18 | 8 T20Is |
| Nandre Burger | 29 | Left-arm pacer | 14 wickets, Econ 7.25 | 3 ODIs |
| Tristan Stubbs | 24 | Wicketkeeper-batter | 397 runs, 17 dismissals | 15 T20Is |
| Marco Jansen | 23 | All-rounder | 12 wickets, 150 runs | 25 Tests |
Challenges Ahead for Proteas on Away Soil
Touring Australia and England has traditionally posed significant challenges for South Africa. Fast, bouncy wickets and swing-friendly conditions have often tested visiting teams to the limit.
Markram’s strategy, focusing on high-impact players capable of turning games, is rooted in addressing these challenges. Players like Brevis can counter-attack, while Burger’s pace can match the firepower of Australian and English bowlers.
The Bigger Picture – Building for the Champions Trophy 2026
With the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for February 2026 in Pakistan, the back-to-back away tours provide the perfect opportunity for South Africa to solidify their squad and develop match-winning combinations.
Aiden Markram’s backing of young talent aligns with Cricket South Africa’s roadmap to revitalize the national team after an inconsistent few years.
What Experts Are Saying
Cricket pundits have lauded Markram’s proactive approach in giving exposure to young talent in high-stakes tours.
- Graeme Smith, former Proteas captain: “Markram’s choices are gutsy but necessary. Brevis and Burger can definitely change games.”
- Michael Vaughan, former England captain: “Burger reminds me of a young Mitchell Starc. South Africa needs to back him fully.”
Fan Reactions
Fans on social media have welcomed Markram’s picks with enthusiasm. Hashtags like #BrevisXFactor and #BurgerPaceAttack have been trending among South African cricket fans, with many predicting breakout performances during the Australia and England tours.
Conclusion
Aiden Markram’s endorsement of Dewald Brevis and Nandre Burger as “proper X-factors” is a clear signal of the direction South African cricket is heading. With two challenging overseas tours lined up, the Proteas are banking on a blend of experience and youthful firepower to script memorable wins.
Whether these young guns rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that South Africa’s cricketing narrative is entering an exciting new chapter—one fueled by belief, aggression, and bold leadership.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on early statements and tour schedules, and subject to change as per Cricket South Africa and ICC announcements.
